Top Things to Do in Portland

Portland, United States

About the City

Portland, United States, often dubbed 'The City of Roses', is a vibrant urban oasis that strikes an intriguing balance between the laid-back vibe of the Pacific Northwest and the bustling energy of a cosmopolitan city. Nestled in the shadow of the majestic Mount Hood, Portland is notorious for its quirky and cool atmosphere, a haven for craft beer aficionados, and a foodie's paradise with a cornucopia of food trucks and fine dining experiences dotting its streets. The city's commitment to the environment and sustainability is evident through its plentiful bike paths, lush parks, and the highest number of LEED-certified buildings per capita. Portland's cultural tapestry is rich and diverse, with a thriving music scene, an array of art galleries, and frequent festivities that exhibit the city's creative spirit. However, like any rose, Portland has its thorns. The rainy weather can dampen spirits, with gray skies lingering for much of the year. The city also grapples with significant social issues, such as homelessness and housing affordability, which challenge its communal harmony. Also, be prepared for the city's notorious 'Portland Weird' to sometimes border on the bizarre, which, while endearing to some, might not be everyone's cup of tea (or coffee, in this city's case).

Things to Do in Portland

PDX Pretzel Perfection

Food & Drink

Get ready to twist your taste buds with some of the best pretzels outside of Bavaria! These aren't your average mall pretzels — they're a crafty culinary ode to dough, salt, and a touch of Portland qu...

Rugged River Tubing

Outdoors

Slide into your inflatable ring and let the current carry you down the river! Add a splash to your summer with this refreshing way to admire the scenic views while keeping your cool.

Hidden Tea House Quest

The Unexpected

Embrace Portland's tranquil side by seeking out hidden gems for a tea experience. Settle in for a serene sip session in one of these tucked-away tea houses!

Urban Art Walkabout

The Unexpected

Get those walking shoes on and take a stroll through the city's streets to witness a rainbow of vibrant murals. Don't forget to pick your fave and tell everyone about it (without the selfies)!

Quirky Quarter Hunt

The Unexpected

Dive deep into Portland's quirky spirit by picking a district and scavenging for unique finds. The challenge? Snag a one-of-a-kind souvenir that screams 'Keep Portland Weird!'

Eclectic Cinema Night

The Unexpected

Ready to watch a movie in style? Forget the megaplex and find one of these cool, quirky cinemas for an unforgettable flick!

Trek the Tualatin Mountains

Outdoors

Lace-up those hiking boots and hit the trails, my friend! The Tualatin Mountains are a hiker's haven with routes ranging from the 'hey, I can still breathe!' easy trails to the 'my legs are gonna feel...

Rocky Rappelling Rendezvous

Outdoors

Get ready to grip some stone and rappel down a rock face like a pro. It's part thrilling, part terrifying, and all adventure. Just don't look down... too much.

Stargazing Soiree

Outdoors

When the sun dips and the city lights fade, the cosmic party starts. Grab a blanket, a buddy, and a brew, and search the skies for constellations. It's an out-of-this-world way to spend your night!

Bountiful Botanical Blitz

Outdoors

Get your nature vibes goin' by wandering through a wonderland of plants from all over the globe. It's like a green thumb's international summit, but you're the delegate, and your mission is to chill a...

Piquant Poke Polka

Food & Drink

Dive into delectable bowls of poke that'll have you doing the hula! Portland might be miles away from the Hawaiian shores, but it's riding a massive wave of fresh, cubed fish goodness. With toppings a...

Pedal Through Portland

Sights

Hop on a bike and let those legs loose as you breeze through the bike-friendly streets of Portland! With dedicated lanes and scenic bike paths, the city’s a cyclist’s paradise where you can marvel at ...

Sway on the Tilikum Crossing

Sights

Take a stroll across America’s largest car-free bridge, Tilikum Crossing, and catch panoramic views of the city skyline. Enjoy the breeze as you hover over the sparkling Willamette River — just try no...

Explore the Shanghai Tunnels

Sights

Dive deep into Portland's past with a visit to the Shanghai Tunnels. Legend has it that these passages were used for some shady shenanigans back in the day. Luckily for you, it's all above board these...

Discover the Secrets of Pittock Mansion

Sights

Take a leap back in time at the historic Pittock Mansion. With its opulent decor and sweeping views, you’ll feel like Portland royalty. Who knows, maybe you’ll even bump into the ghost of old Henry Pi...

Soak Up Some Art at the Portland Art Museum

Sights

Cultured much? Showcase your inner art aficionado at the Portland Art Museum. With a collection that spans centuries and continents, you'll be saying 'Hmm, intriguing' in no time. Don't forget to nod ...

Get Up Close and Personal with Portland's Peculiar Pizza

Food & Drink

Seek out slices that'll make you second guess everything you thought you knew about pizza. From wild toppings to fermento-crust curiosity, these pies prove Portland punches above its weight in pizza i...

Embark on the Ultimate Food Truck Odyssey

Food & Drink

Who needs a dining room when you can chow down curbside? Join the urban picnic and navigate the sea of food trucks serving everything from Korean BBQ tacos to artisanal grilled cheese. It's a movable ...

Feast on Farm-to-Cone Ice Cream

Food & Drink

Get ready to scream for ice cream, but not just any ice cream – we're talking about the farm-to-cone goodness that'll make your taste buds feel like they're frolicking in the freshest of Oregon fields...

Underground Art Scene Exploration

The Unexpected

Descend into the subterranean streets where local artists have turned the city's underbelly into a canvas. Murals, graffiti, and unexpected installations await those who dare to explore!